Every day children are losing their homes and entering into foster care. In most cases, these children are given two trash bags for their belongings upon arrival. Together We Rise is a non-profit organization comprised of passionate volunteers who are working to improve the lives of these foster children because “no child deserves a trash bag.” Danny Mendoza founded the organization in 2009 after discovering that his 9-year-old cousin was living in a car. Mendoza was inspired to make a difference by helping children in foster care and encouraging young people to change the world.
Students at the University of Mississippi are working to spread awareness throughout the Ole Miss community and raise money for Together We Rise. “The compassion and love the TWR team has for kids in foster care throughout the U.S. is unreal,” said Valerie 
Ellis, Social Media/PR Intern for TWR. “Everyone deserves to be aware of this serious issue in our society. These kids need our help!” This spring they are putting together “Sweet Cases” to send to foster homes in Mississippi. The sweet cases are duffle bags filled with items such as teddy bears, pillow pets, coloring books, and markers. They plan to host a Sweet Case Build on the university campus later this semester and welcome everyone to come out and help. The date of this event is to be announced.
Their goal is to raise $3,000 and build 150 sweet cases. Donations for this fundraiser can be made at www.togetherwerise.org/fundraise/OleMissSweetCase. Also, anyone can volunteer for TWR or simply learn more about this cause by visiting www.togetherwerise.org. 
